At the exact time that people need health care the most – during a global pandemic – millions are not only losing their paychecks but their health insurance. This is a result of our employer-based health care system.
Even those who are still employed may see their coverage downgraded as their employers rush to cut costs. At the same time, a new analysis estimates that premiums for those with insurance could jump up 40% next year.
While doctors are risking their lives, tens of thousands of people died and millions lost their coverage; the largest health insurance provider in the U.S. experienced a $4.1 billion increase in revenue over the last three months. They are not only thriving during a pandemic, but using their profits, not to lower co-pays, but to buy back their own stock.
This crisis is exposing some of the fundamental flaws in our health care system, from a patchwork system of unpredictable employment-based health insurance plans to the relentless pursuit of profits. History shows that big societal changes often happen during a crisis.
In the face of COVID-19, national support for Medicare for All is at a nine-month high. We need to urgently transition from an antiquated employer-based health system to a streamlined efficient system: expanded and improved Medicare For All.
This crisis has shown that we are at our best when we take care of each other. This is the America we need. It’s time to demand Medicare for All.
Jan PhillipsDurango
